How To Change the Oil in Your 2018–2024 Jeep Wrangler JL (3.6L)

ID: 185976

Description: [youtubevideo|5Cj955Oggxs]This guide shows how...

Steps:

  1. Lay cardboard or other disposable material under the engine to catch stray oil.
  2. Place an oil drain basin nearby and keep absorbent cat litter ready for accidental spills.
  3. Set a roll of shop paper towels within arm’s reach for quick clean‑up.
  4. Slide the drain basin just rearward of the oil pan drain plug so the draining stream lands inside.
  5. Unscrew the oil filler cap on top of the engine to relieve vacuum and speed up the draining process.
  6. Wrap paper towels around the oil filter cap to catch drips during removal.
  7. Wipe up any spilled oil immediately to prevent burnt‑oil odor when the engine heats up.
  8. Fit a half‑inch or 13 mm socket on the oil pan plug and turn counter‑clockwise to loosen.
  9. When the plug is finger‑loose, keep unscrewing it, keeping inward pressure, then, when it's almost out, pull it away quickly to avoid splashing.
  10. Allow the oil to drain completely into the basin. Make sure the vent hole is open if you're using a sealed type.
  11. Use a 15⁄16‑inch socket with an extension to loosen the filter cap on top of the engine.
  12. Finish unthreading the cap by hand while holding a paper towel beneath it to catch drips.
  13. Lift the cap and filter straight out and set it on a protected surface.
  14. The Pentastar V6 uses a cartridge-style filter as opposed to the more common spin-on type. It's also mounted from above, which is also unusual.
  15. Pull the old filter straight off the cap while holding the cap with a rag.
  16. Remove the old O‑ring from the cap groove with a pick or clean fingernail.
  17. Compare the new filter to the old to confirm identical size and design.
  18. Install the new O‑ring and coat it lightly with clean engine oil.
  19. Snap the new filter firmly onto the cap.
  20. Guide the filter back into the housing, ensuring the threads engage smoothly.
  21. Tighten the cap with the 15⁄16‑inch socket just until snug.
  22. Don't over-tighten the filter housing.
  23. Back underneath the engine, confirm that oil has slowed to drips, then clean the pan sealing surface.
  24. Thread the drain plug in by hand until seated, then tighten an additional quarter‑turn with the socket.
  25. Wipe away any residual oil on the pan.
  26. Insert a funnel into the filler neck and pour in five quarts of 0W‑20 full‑synthetic oil.
  27. If no funnel is available, roll cardboard into a temporary spout.
  28. Wait 5 minutes for the oil to settle, then verify the dipstick reads within the safe range.
  29. Reinstall the filler cap.
  30. With your foot off the brake, press the start button twice to enter the run position.
  31. Navigate to the Oil Life screen on the dash display.
  32. Hold the OK button on the steering wheel until the oil life resets to 100%.
  33. Press the brake and start the engine, letting it idle for several minutes so the pump fills the filter.
  34. Check to make sure the engine oil warning light goes out once the engine starts. If it stays illuminated, or you hear unsettling noises, turn off the engine immediately.
  35. Shut the engine off, wait another 5 minutes, and recheck the dipstick, topping up if necessary.
  36. Inspect around the drain plug and filter housing to confirm there are no leaks.
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